Equally at home defending or attacking, De Rossi is a natural leader. His vision and clever passing of the ball, when added to his powerful, assured performances in the center of the park, dictate his side’s play for both the Giallorossi and the Italy national team.

Versatile, he is a tireless worker in the Gennaro Gattuso mold, and he has admitted in the past that he bases his game on Steven Gerrard’s performances for Liverpool.

Where Next?

In some respects, it's hard to imagine De Rossi leaving Roma. In 2012, he became Serie A’s highest paid Italian player on an estimated £5.4 million a year.

De Rossi’s father also played for Roma, and the 29-year-old has played at the Stadio Olimpico for his entire career. Nicknamed Capitan Futuro/Captain Future, he is thought to be the heir apparent to the Roma captain’s armband when Francesco Totti calls time on his playing days.

The midfielder's sour relationship with coach Zdenek Zeman was well publicised in 2012, which led to speculation linking him with a move away from Roma.

However, the Serie A side were quick to insist that their vice-captain would not be sold (FIFA.com).

In an interview with the New York Times, De Rossi appeared committed to Roma, saying, "I’m still young; I’m 29. I live for this club. My story is that I live for the club and, for me, leaving would be a drama, a big drama. I would like to stay here."

Zeman was fired as Roma coach in February, which may have some bearing on whether De Rossi chooses to stay.

This week, reports in Gazetta dello Sport (via The Express) hint that Roma may sanction a sale for De Rossi over the summer months, with Chelsea and Manchester City among his admirers.